Hebron is a city in the West Bank, which is part of the region of Palestine in the Middle East. The city lies southwest of Jerusalem, in the southern Judaean Hills, about 3,050 feet (930 meters) above sea level. It is one of the oldest cities in the region. From ancient times Hebron benefited from its mountainous climate, which encouraged the cultivation of fruit trees and vineyards. In addition, its location at a natural crossroads placed it along a historically desirable travel route. The biblical patriarch Abraham long lived in Hebron, and for this reason the city is sacred to both Jews and Muslims. The city’s name in Arabic is Al-Khalil, and in Hebrew it is Hevron.